by: Samuel Laws

When I was a kid, we used to play with a toy called a Mr. Potato Head. Sometimes we would drop him and he would fall into a pile of pieces. His eyes, nose, mouth and various parts needed to be put back together.

Do you know what it’s like to feel broken? Like you’re in pieces? Maybe nothing seems to help. Your heart’s deepest desire is to be able to say three words and mean them: “Life is good.” But life isn’t good, because you’re in pieces, and that is a problem. Don’t let staying broken keep you from living an awesome life.

1. Get Humble

Have you ever seen someone struggling, but for some reason they seem to be the only one that doesn’t quite grasp the gravity of their situation? They think things really aren’t that bad and they will eventually getting better. After all, it’s just a phase right? The truth is, I am that person and probably so are you. The only difference between those who know and those who don’t is the humility to acknowledge our weaknesses. The sooner we get real with the pieces of our lives that aren’t quite together, the sooner we step towards getting put back together again. As a side note, if you’re thinking of a person right now that “needs to hear this,” stop! Encourage people. Life will humble them. The most important humility you can get is your own.

2. Join a Wolfpack

You can’t do this alone. So get with some people who can help you along the way. I have a group of friends I meet up with regularly and what started as once a week is now several nights a week. They are people I know I can count on ... who are there when I need a ride, a friend to talk things out with or just have a good time with! Not only that, they challenge me to grow and help me go further, faster. Life would not be the same without my wolfpack. Maybe you’re smiling as you read this because your wolfpack comes to mind. Or perhaps you’re thinking of creating your own. If that’s the case, it will take time and effort. But hang in there, we need each other and it’s worth it.

3. Push Through

Sometimes it’s not as simple as picking up the pieces and putting them back together. Sometimes the damage is so great that the pieces seem to no longer fit. This is when we need something even greater to make them fit again. We need a healing that can only come from God. Inner healing is available to all, but it often takes more time than we would like. Commit to the process of learning more about yourself and examining the hurts that continue to cause you pain. Nothing is wasted if you stop to notice the lesson to be found in each experience. The future is bright for those who are willing to grow in the darkness.